Mystical Months: December
As December unfolds, we experience a shift that is both profound and subtle. The cold deepens, the days grow even shorter, and the natural world enters its deepest rest. December’s energy calls us to embrace quietude, reflection, and celebration, as we prepare to close the year. This month invites us to honor traditions, express gratitude, and cultivate inner peace, mirroring the stillness of the world around us. Through sacred rituals, nourishing foods, and meaningful gatherings, we can align ourselves with December’s spiritual energy.
December’s Spiritual Themes
Reflection and Gratitude: As the year draws to a close, December is a time to reflect on the journey and express gratitude for both the challenges and triumphs that have shaped us.
Rest and Renewal: With the long nights and quiet days, December encourages us to slow down, rest, and replenish our energy, preparing for the new year’s potential.
Honoring Light and Celebration: As winter solstice approaches, cultures around the world celebrate the return of light, offering a reminder of hope, renewal, and the enduring power of the sun.
Pagan Celebrations in December
Winter Solstice (Yule): Celebrated around December 21st, Yule marks the longest night of the year and the return of the sun. It is a time of celebrating the renewal of light and the cycles of nature, often marked by feasting, lighting candles, and honoring the divine.
The Feast of the Nativity: December 25th marks the birth of the sun (a spiritual and symbolic event in many cultures), celebrated with festivals, gift-giving, and family gatherings.
St. Lucia’s Day: Observed on December 13th, this Scandinavian tradition honors St. Lucia, the bringer of light. It’s a celebration of hope, light, and the strength to overcome darkness.
December Correspondences
Colors: Deep greens, golds, reds, and whites, symbolizing rebirth, warmth, and the return of light.
Elements: Earth and fire, representing grounding, warmth, and illumination in times of darkness.
Crystals: Garnet for vitality and protection, clear quartz for clarity, and ruby for passion and renewal.
Herbs and Spices: Cinnamon, clove, ginger, and pine—spices and scents that warm the body and spirit during cold nights.
Animals: Reindeer, bear, and owl—creatures that symbolize strength, endurance, and wisdom in the winter months.
Seasonal Foods and Dishes
December is a month for rich, comforting foods that nurture the body and soul. Root vegetables, roasted meats, hearty stews, and spiced treats come together to create the perfect warmth for this time of year.
Roast Root Vegetables: A hearty dish made with carrots, parsnips, sweet potatoes, and beets, perfect for December’s cold evenings.
Mulled Wine or Cider: A warm, spiced drink that combines wine or cider with cloves, cinnamon, and citrus, perfect for holiday gatherings.
Gingerbread Cookies: These spiced treats bring warmth and sweetness to the season, often made with cinnamon, ginger, and molasses.
Hearty Stews: A nourishing, grounding meal to enjoy with loved ones, incorporating meats, root vegetables, and warming herbs.
Simple December Ritual and Recipe
Here’s a reflection ritual and a comforting seasonal recipe that will help you connect with December’s energy of rest, light, and renewal.
December Reflection Ritual
You’ll need:
A white or gold candle
A small bowl of water
A piece of clear quartz or garnet
A pen and small piece of paper
A cup of mulled wine or cider (recipe below)
Set Your Space: Find a quiet, peaceful place where you can be undisturbed. Light the candle and take a few deep breaths, allowing yourself to center and relax. Envision the flame burning away all negativity, stress, or unwanted energy.
Reflect and Release: On the paper, write down any thoughts, habits, or situations you wish to leave behind in the year. Fold the paper toward you, visualizing these things being absorbed into the paper.
Symbolic Release: Place the paper in the bowl of water, symbolizing the release of these burdens. Take a sip of the mulled wine or cider, feeling its warmth spread through your body.
Affirmation: Hold the clear quartz or garnet and say something like:
“In this season of reflection and renewal, I release what no longer serves me and welcome peace, clarity, and light into my life.”
Close the Ritual: Allow the candle to burn for a few more minutes, then extinguish it. Pour the water outside as a final release of the year’s energies.
Simple Winter Root Vegetable Stew
This comforting, simple stew embraces the warmth and grounding energy of December. Root vegetables symbolize stability, while the gentle spices connect you to the quiet, introspective energy of the season. Easy to prepare, this stew is perfect for reflecting and nourishing during December’s long nights.
Ingredients:
1 tbsp olive oil
1 onion, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
3 large carrots, peeled and chopped
2 parsnips, peeled and chopped
1 sweet potato, peeled and cubed
1 small butternut squash, peeled and cubed (or 2 regular potatoes, if preferred)
4 cups vegetable broth
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp ground ginger
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
Stir in the carrots, parsnips, sweet potato, and butternut squash. Let them cook for a few minutes, allowing the flavors to mingle.
Sprinkle in the cinnamon and ginger, stirring to coat the vegetables evenly. Season with salt and pepper.
Pour in the vegetable broth and bring the stew to a boil. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for 25–30 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
Closing Thoughts
December’s energy invites us to slow down, reflect, and celebrate the return of light. By embracing this time of stillness and honoring the traditions that bring us peace and joy, we align with the spirit of the season. May this December bring you peace, warmth, and the renewal of hope as we prepare for the new year ahead.
